Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] (Top-Up)
Field of Study:
$13,200 /Yr
As an Indian student targeting the University of Sunderland MBA Top-Up, this 7 month fast-track program allows you to convert your existing postgraduate diploma (e.g., PGDM, Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management) into a full UK MBA. Delivered fully online or via approved Indian study centres, it builds on your managerial experience and prior qualification to accelerate career progression. The program includes two core modules: Strategic Management in an International Context and MBA Project (Consultancy or Dissertation), focusing on real-world business challenges in Indian and global contexts. Graduates secure senior leadership roles in IT, consulting, hospitality, and manufacturing, with alumni at Deloitte, TCS, Infosys, and Accenture, achieving 40–70% salary uplifts.
Key Highlights
- Duration & Structure: 7 months part-time (90 credits); single starts (October); fully online via Canvas or blended at Indian study centres (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore); includes live UK faculty sessions, peer discussions, and industry case studies.
- Unique Features: Full University of Sunderland UK MBA degree; no GMAT/GRE required; ideal for PGDM/PGDBM holders; flexible pacing for working professionals; access to UK digital library and alumni network; optional 1-week UK immersion (visa required).
- Employability: 95% in senior roles within 6 months; recruiters include EY, KPMG, HCL, and Wipro; India-focused career support via study centre partners; average post-MBA salary ₹25–45 lakhs (40–70% uplift from pre-PGDM levels).
- Study Mode: 100% online or blended at premium Indian centres (Wi-Fi, AC classrooms, breakout rooms); weekend/evening classes; networking with Indian cohort via WhatsApp and LinkedIn groups; guest lectures from UK and Indian industry leaders.
- Rankings: University of Sunderland: #33 UK (Guardian 2025); #1201+ THE World (2025); top 10 UK for International Student Diversity (QS Europe 2025); high graduate employability (University Outcomes 2023/24).
- The Course Fee for this program is £10,000 (INR 11,66,591) for 2026/27 (payable in 2–3 instalments), up from £9,000 in 2025/26.
University of Sunderland MBA Top-Up Entry Requirement for Indian Students
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Deadlines (2025/2026 Intakes) | - October 2026: October 2026 is the only intake. Rolling admissions; decisions within 1–2 weeks. Early application ensures module seat and study centre placement. |
| Application Process | Apply online via Sunderland Top-Up Portal or study centre partner (no fee); submit: CV, PG Diploma certificate (Level 7 equiv.), Transcripts, Personal statement (300–500 words), 1 professional reference, Proof of 2+ years managerial experience. |
| Tuition Fees (Top-Up, India/Online) | - GBP: £10,000 - INR: ₹11,66,591(payable in 2–3 instalments) |
| Academic Requirements | Postgraduate Diploma (PGDM/PGDBM) at Level 7 (120 UK credits) from recognized institution (e.g., IIMs, XLRI, NMIMS, AIMA, Edexcel, ATHE). Must include strategic management, finance, and marketing. Minimum 2 years full-time managerial experience. Fresh PGDM holders with strong internships considered. |
| English Language Requirements | - IELTS: 6.0 overall (min 5.5 each) or equivalent - TOEFL iBT: 79 (min 17 each) - PTE: 59 (min 59 each) |
| Scholarships (for Indian Students) | - Fast-Track Discount: £300 off if enrolled 2 months early - Merit Award: £500 for 65%+ in PG Diploma + 3+ years exp. - Study Centre Bursary: ₹25,000–₹75,000 (need-based, via partner) |
Tips and Tricks for Indian Students Applying to This Program
- Personal Statement Mastery: Link your PGDM projects to real business impact (e.g., “Led ₹2 Cr cost-saving initiative at XYZ Ltd”). Explain career goals (e.g., “Aim for GM role in IT consulting”). Keep concise: 300–500 words.
- PG Diploma Mapping: Submit module-wise transcript. Highlight strategy, finance, HR, marketing coverage. Get equivalence letter from AIMA/Edexcel if needed. Sunderland accepts most AICTE/UGC-approved PGDMs.
- Funding Strategy: Pay in instalments via study centre; use education loan top-up from HDFC Credila/SBI (low interest). Total cost ~₹6.5–7.5 lakhs. Save ₹1,500/month by avoiding cafes during study.
- Study Centre vs Online: Choose blended (Delhi/Mumbai) for networking; go 100% online if in Tier-2 city. Both lead to same UK degree. Check centre placement record with TCS, Cognizant.
- Prep Insights: Review free Sunderland Top-Up webinars. Study HBR cases on Indian firms (Reliance, Flipkart). Practice project proposal with current boss for real data.
- Network Accelerator: Join LinkedIn “Sunderland MBA Top-Up India” (1,200+ members); connect with grads at PwC, Capgemini. Join intake WhatsApp group. Attend virtual graduation with UK cohort.
FAQs
Ques 1: Is my Indian PGDM eligible for Top-Up?
Ans: Yes, if it’s Level 7 (120 UK credits) from AICTE/UGC-approved institute (e.g., IMT, SPJIMR, AIMA). Must cover strategy, finance, marketing. Submit syllabus for mapping. 90%+ Indian PGDMs accepted.
Ques 2: Can I complete it while working full-time?
Ans: Yes. Only 2 modules. Online live sessions on weekends. Recorded lectures. 85%+ students are full-time managers at mid/senior levels.
Ques 3: Is this a full UK MBA degree?
Ans: Yes. You receive the exact same MBA from University of Sunderland, UK — not a franchise. Recognized by UGC, AIU, WES, and globally. Eligible for UK, Canada, Australia jobs.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $13200 (GBP 10000) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Living Expenses | $11088 (GBP 8400) |
| Total Cost | $11088 (GBP 8400) |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $23760 (GBP 18000) |
| 2023 | $19800 (GBP 15000) |
| 2021 | $27522 (GBP 20850) |
Important Dates
Applications are accepted throughout the year, apply atleast 6 months prior to the class start date.
Scores Required
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Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Course Guides
1 Year Masters Programs in UK for International Students
Executive MBA in UK: Fees 2024, Admissions, Top Colleges, Jobs & Salaries
Masters in Management in the UK
Masters in UK: Top Universities, Admission Requirements, Tuition Fees, and Scholarships
Programs Comparison
| ranking | # 28 for Business by The Guardian 2026 | # 56 for Business by The Guardian 2026 # 801 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| application | - | - |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 79/120 | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 24288 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 45474 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | - | Nov 15, 2026 (Application Deadline for January Intake) |
| - | Read Full Comparison |
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,320/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| India Postgraduate Taught Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 4,693/Yr$3,555 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,640/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| Leo Murray Entrepreneurship Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 18,480/Yr$14,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific |
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| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
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UCAS Deadline (25th Jan 2026) | USD 23,760 /Yr GBP 18,000 /Yr |
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